In the blessings of this week’s Torah portion, it talks about laundering clothes in wine. A metaphor for infusing our spiritual behaviors with joy.
Every mitzvah we perform creates a spiritual garment for our souls. However, these garments must be "laundered in wine". Our observance must be imbued with joy. This joy isn't merely superficial happiness, but rather a deep awareness of our real personal connection to the Divine, even in challenging times.
Watching the devastating fires in California, reminded me of life's inherent impermanence. Our physical "garments", our homes, possessions, and sense of security are temporary. True security comes not from stuff but from our relationship with Hashem. We also need to recognize that everything we have (or don’t have) is ultimately in Divine hands.
Yet, paradoxically, this recognition of impermanence can lead us to the deepest joy. When we understand that our true wealth lies in our connection to Hashem through Torah and mitzvot, we transform our perspective. Each commandment we fulfill becomes not just an obligation, but an opportunity to "connect to Hashem".
The siege of Jerusalem that we commemorate today, the 10th of Tevet, (Friday 1/10/2025) also teaches us about impermanence. Yet, it also teaches us about resilience and the enduring nature of spiritual connection.
In times when physical security feels uncertain, whether from ancient sieges or modern disasters, our tradition offers us this profound wisdom: true joy comes not from the illusion of permanence, but from the understanding that we can connect to something eternal through daily spiritual practices. Each mitzvah, performed with joy, creates a garment that transcends the physical world. A garment that is indeed "laundered in wine”.
May this bring us comfort and strength as we navigate our own challenges, helping us find joy even amidst uncertainty, knowing that our true security lies in our eternal connection to the Divine.
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman